The strike comes after weeks of failed talks between the government and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).
According to the union, the decision to down tools was not made lightly. KUCO leaders say they issued a 21-day strike notice, which expired without meaningful action from the Ministry of Health and county governments.
According to the union, the decision to down tools was not made lightly. KUCO leaders say they issued a 21-day strike notice, which expired without meaningful action from the Ministry of Health and county governments.
With no agreement reached, clinical officers say they have been left with no option but to withdraw their services.
Clinical officers play a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system. They handle the majority of outpatient services and are often the first point of contact for patients in public hospitals.
Clinical officers play a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system. They handle the majority of outpatient services and are often the first point of contact for patients in public hospitals.
Their absence is expected to severely affect services in Level 2 to Level 5 health facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The union’s main demand is the immediate signing and implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was finalized in August 2025. KUCO says the agreement has remained on paper despite repeated promises, leaving clinical officers frustrated and demoralized.
Other key issues include delayed promotions, some dating back several years, and the failure to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund staff into permanent and pensionable positions. Many of these workers have served the public health system for years but remain on short-term contracts.
Salary delays are another major concern. In some counties, clinical officers claim they have gone up to 16 months without pay, making it difficult to meet basic needs. The union says this situation has forced many health workers into debt and emotional distress.
KUCO is also demanding recognition of clinical officers under the Social Health Authority (SHA), restoration of pre-authorisation rights for clinical specialists, and the payment of risk, house, and commuter allowances.
The union’s main demand is the immediate signing and implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was finalized in August 2025. KUCO says the agreement has remained on paper despite repeated promises, leaving clinical officers frustrated and demoralized.
Other key issues include delayed promotions, some dating back several years, and the failure to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund staff into permanent and pensionable positions. Many of these workers have served the public health system for years but remain on short-term contracts.
Salary delays are another major concern. In some counties, clinical officers claim they have gone up to 16 months without pay, making it difficult to meet basic needs. The union says this situation has forced many health workers into debt and emotional distress.
KUCO is also demanding recognition of clinical officers under the Social Health Authority (SHA), restoration of pre-authorisation rights for clinical specialists, and the payment of risk, house, and commuter allowances.
The union argues that clinical officers work in high-risk environments and deserve fair compensation and recognition.
With the strike in effect, patients are expected to feel the impact almost immediately. Maternal health services, emergency care, routine outpatient clinics, and disease control programmes are likely to be disrupted.
With the strike in effect, patients are expected to feel the impact almost immediately. Maternal health services, emergency care, routine outpatient clinics, and disease control programmes are likely to be disrupted.
Clinical interns have also been instructed to stay away from work, affecting medical training and hospital operations nationwide.
Union leaders accuse both the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors of delaying negotiations and lacking goodwill.
Union leaders accuse both the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors of delaying negotiations and lacking goodwill.
While some financial matters were addressed by the National Treasury, KUCO says only a small portion of its 19-point demand list has been met.
The strike is legally protected. Court orders have been issued barring the harassment, arrest, or intimidation of clinical officers participating in the industrial action.
The strike is legally protected. Court orders have been issued barring the harassment, arrest, or intimidation of clinical officers participating in the industrial action.
KUCO has directed its members to remain firm until a formal and fully implemented agreement is signed.
Health experts warn that prolonged disruption could place additional pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
Health experts warn that prolonged disruption could place additional pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
They urge the government to treat the matter with urgency and engage the union in honest dialogue to protect the wellbeing of millions of Kenyans who rely on public hospitals.
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